Wrapping themselves in the flag, repeating the mantra “security” and attacking anyone who questioned this insanity as soft on terrorism, they succeeded in disgracing their country before the world, and now they deserve to be called what they are: traitors. In a just world they would be prosecuted and convicted.
UNDOING THE DAMAGE
Mayer’s book has heroes, most of them conservative Republicans who were appalled to be part of a government that was encouraging the commission of atrocities. They lost the battle, and a number of them resigned. There’s hope now, since both presidential candidates show every sign of hating torture. The question is whether either of them can undo the damage.
As I read The Dark Side I thought of Henry James’ great novel The Wings of the Dove, which tells the story of two blameless young lovers who try to procure the money that will allow them to marry. By the time they get it, their decency is in shreds — and so is their love. Now the last line of the novel keeps echoing in my head: “We shall never be again as we were!”
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